oxidation
Oxidation (noun) means a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons; in everyday terms, the reaction of a material with oxygen, as when iron rusts or a cut apple browns. Example: “Oxidation turns the exposed metal a dull orange within days.”
How to use oxidation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat happens when something reacts with the air, like metal rusting or fruit browning.
Technical in chemistry, but everyday in cooking, wine and skincare contexts.
'Oxidation state' is a bookkeeping number for electrons, not a description of how oxidised something looks.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ turns the exposed metal a dull orange within days.
Etymology
From oxide, coined in French from Greek oxys 'sharp, acid' and the ending of acide, plus the noun ending -ation. Oxygen was originally named as the supposed acid-forming element.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for oxidation
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between oxidation and reduction?
Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of them. They always happen together, since the electrons one substance loses another must gain, which is why the pair is called a redox reaction. The mnemonic is OIL RIG: oxidation is loss, reduction is gain.
Does oxidation always involve oxygen?
No. Oxygen is the commonest oxidising agent and gave the process its name, but the modern definition is purely about losing electrons. Iron reacting with chlorine is oxidation with no oxygen present at all.
Why do cut apples go brown?
Enzymes in the flesh react with oxygen in the air and produce brown pigments. Acid such as lemon juice slows the enzyme, and so does keeping the surface away from air with water or wrapping.
What is the meaning of oxidation?
"oxidation" (noun) means a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons; in everyday terms, the reaction of a material with oxygen, as when iron rusts or a cut apple browns.